Belden Inc. (NYSE: BDC), a global leader in signal transmission and security solutions for mission-critical application in enterprise and industrial markets, today formally opened its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Chakan near Pune. Spread over 24,000 square meters, the total investment in the facility is INR 250 crore ($35 Million USD). The facility has been established with support from the Mega Project program of the Government of India and is credited with being the first truly ‘One Belden’ factory, with capabilities to serve multiple customer markets and applications of the Belden group of brands. The global leader aims to provide customers in the region, who are investing in increasingly sophisticated automation, with a single-point solution for mission-critical signal transmission and management requirements.
Ashish Chand, Managing Director of Asia Pacific Belden Inc., accompanied by senior officials of the company, formally inaugurated the facility today. Prominent dignitaries from Maharashtra and several of Belden’s customers, partners and suppliers attended the inaugural function.
On the occasion, Chand said, “With this Mega Project, Belden seeks to address the fast evolving needs of Indian customers for mission critical applications in the transportation, energy, smart buildings, process automation, factory automation and broadcast markets.” Key products that will be manufactured in the new plant include low voltage cables for high-end applications, connectivity and assemblies for data transmission and ethernet switches, routers and firewalls for industrial and building automation. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that will also allow us to serve other export geographies including the US, Middle East, South East Asia and China.
“Belden has been proudly present in India since 2003, and based on the growth of the market, the company decided in early 2017 to set up a manufacturing footprint here,” said Chand.
Investment to set up a world-class manufacturing and assembly unit will occur in two phases. The first phase, which included a INR 140 crore ($20 million USD) investment, was completed in September 2018. Work on the second phase will commence soon, with an additional INR 110 crore ($15 million USD) investment. The project, when at its full capacity in 2019, will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to more than 300 people.
Chand added, “Belden would like to sincerely thank the Governments of India and Maharashtra and their agencies involved, especially the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, for the great support that allowed the company to execute phase one within 12 months from the date of application for land allotment to commencement of operations. We are very hopeful that this support will allow us to grow quickly and contribute to the building of Indian infrastructure, especially in the areas of energy, transportation, manufacturing and smart buildings.”
“We have commenced manufacturing in India with significant product breadth and sophistication compared to any of our competitors. Over the next few years, and based on customer feedback, we will continue to expand our portfolio of products manufactured and supported here.” Chand said.
Globally, Belden is at the forefront of developing advanced technology for very high bandwidth transmission and management in mission-critical applications by investing in R&D and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company is committed to following this path in India. Going forward, Belden will enhance engineering and design capabilities in Pune to leverage local talent towards developing technology for global use.
